A non-keeper who was turned into one because he was a better batsman. John Ward was the regular keeper for New Zealand, but he was not effective with the bat, hence Dick was made into a keep...Full profile

A non-keeper who was turned into one because he was a better batsman. John Ward was the regular keeper for New Zealand, but he was not effective with the bat, hence Dick was made into a keeper for the tour of South Africa in 1961-62. He had only kept once before that - versus MCC while playing for Otago.

Dick was a middle-order batsman who started his career with Otago on Christmas Day in 1956. He didn't score heavily, but was consistent enough to remain in the side. New Zealand stopped in Australia on the way to South Africa. He conceded 32 byes in the game against Western Australia. However, he improved and was the keeper in all five Tests against the Proteas.

Dick scored a crucial fifty in the second innings of the third Test that helped New Zealand win their first game away home. His only first class hundred came when the Black Caps made another stop in Australia on their way back home, Dick scored 127 versus New South Wales. Dick shifted base to Wellington and turned out for them from 1962-63 season, also keeping his Test spot.

During the 1965 tour of England, Dick scored a superb 96 against Northamptonshire, an innings that contained sixteen fours and two sixes. However, he was overlooked for the third Test and John Ward took his place. Several other keepers were tried after that, but it was Ken Wadsworth who established himself as the regular keeper in 1969.

Dick continued playing for Wellington till 1965-66 and returned to play four more games in 1968-69. He also played three List A games for them. Dick finished with an aggregate of 2315 first class runs at 20.30, but his keeping record looked more impressive - 148 catches and 21 stumpings in 78 first class matches.